Labour leaders have called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s ₦70,000 national minimum wage, arguing that the current rate is no longer sufficient to cope with rising inflation and the increasing cost of living.
The call was made at the 2026 Nigeria Rights of Workers Summit held in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, to mark 88 years of legally recognised trade unionism in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero, NLC Deputy President Amba described the minimum wage as one of the major challenges confronting Nigerian workers.
He said the ₦70,000 wage had become inadequate due to the rising prices of goods and services, urging the Federal and State Governments to begin fresh negotiations on a new wage structure.
Former NLC President Ayuba Wabba stressed that workers’ welfare should not be measured by salaries alone. He said decent work must also include the protection of workers’ rights, social security and meaningful engagement between labour, employers and government.
The summit’s convener, Ekpa Stanley, said the anniversary provided an opportunity to assess the progress of Nigerian workers and address issues affecting their welfare.
Meanwhile, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris pledged that the state would implement any new national minimum wage agreed upon by the Federal Government and labour.
The summit also focused on workplace safety, discrimination, inflation and the protection of casual and other non-traditional workers.
Labour leaders maintained that a wage system that fails to keep pace with economic realities could undermine years of workers’ struggle for better pay and improved working conditions.
